Savoy Jazz

It goes without saying that Bill Frisell – one of the most imaginative and versatile jazz guitarists of the past three decades – would not approach an album of John Lennon interpretations in the same way that anyone else would. Frisell is – besides being a virtuoso on his instrument – a tireless seeker of sonic innovations, and here, on tracks ranging from the earliest Beatles hits ( “Please Please Me” ) through later group tunes ( “Come Together” ) and solo Lennon ( “#9 Dream,” “Woman” ), Frisell mixes it up thoroughly, making these familiar songs fresh again (and largely avoiding standard jazz arrangements). Credit goes to his accompanists, particularly violinist Jenny Scheinman and fellow guitarist Greg Leisz, who add piles of dimension. Frisell reveals the soul of songs like “In My Life” and “Beautiful Boy” throughout the two-disc set.